James McArthur

East Midlands Trains service has received £46m of public money to help make the service profitable again.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the BBC revealed that East Midlands Trains received £46,443,000 in bail-out funds between November 11, 2011 and June 18, 2012.

Parent company StageCoach Group announced in its 2012 annual report that taxpayers’ money had returned East Midlands Trains to profitability, following a short-fall in passenger revenues during the previous financial year.

The FOI revelations come after East Midlands Trains revealed a £70m investment programme to boost train services across the region.

The Midlands train operator made a loss of £25m last year and, under the terms of its franchise agreement, became eligible for a revenue support grant from the government.

The financial difficulty comes despite its sister operator, South West Trains, making a net contribution to the UK taxpayer of £280m.

Lillian Greenwood, the Shadow Transport Minister, said: “Train operating companies across the country need to justify their receipt of taxpayers money at a time when too many services are overcrowded and the government is allowing fares to rise by up to 11%.”

“The onus is now on the company to make sure that the money is spent on improving services for passengers, instead of bolstering shareholders profits.”

A student from the University of Lincoln has been selected for the Dressage Team at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Sophie Wells, a 22-year-old Sports Development student and International Dressage rider, was chosen for the role following her successful completion of the Hartpury Final Selection Trials.

Sophie was born with amniotic band syndrome; a condition which prevents the hands and feet from forming properly in the womb.

Remarking on her 1st and 2nd place triumph in the Grade IV trials, Sophie said: ” We’ve been working towards it for so long. To be told it’s happening and we’re that step closer is amazing, although it’s not quite sunk in yet.”

“I’m chuffed to bits for the owners of my horses, Jackie and Neil, they have been so supportive over the past three years and it’s a real achievement for them. I’m so pleased I can do this for them.”

She added: “It’s also a massive testament to Angela Weiss, my trainer, that I’m in this position of having a second horse to call upon; she has been unbelievably supportive in every way possible and it’s going to be very special heading to London with her.”

A Paralympic enthusiast since she was 10 years old, Sophie has chosen to postpone her studies to ensure she achieves the best possible result at the Paralympic games in September.

“The fact that I might be able to compete at home, makes it extra special,” she added.

“Not only does it give people who have supported me for years the chance to see me compete in a big competition, having a home ground advantage will be amazing for all British athletes competing.”